8. TIME

I was coming home to see Andrea on my lunch break, and there Rick was. This man was showing up at our house once again. I was certain there was nothing going on with them. But now I was not so sure. I watch seeing Rick move closer and kiss her.

Andrea needed more time? Then why in the hell was she kissing this asshole? She is acting her age, I thought. An immature twenty six year old. Well, lucky for her I was there to teach her a lesson, I thought aggravated.

Rick was walking outside when our eyes meet. I wanted nothing more then to punch him in the face. I had already killed one man trying to keep Andrea. I could deal this one too.

"You need a ride to the airport? Andrea said you have a wife and baby to get home too," I smirk.

"No, thank you. I called a taxi," Rick said looking away from my stare.

"You know I think it be best if you left Andrea alone. Seeing you the other night really seem to upset her," I said looking at Rick.

"No one asks what you think," Rick answers angrily.

"Well, you are right what I think does not matter. But what your wife think does. I mean I saw that kiss in there. I see everything. Especially when it comes to Andrea," I said smiling wickedly.

"Fuck you. You are obsessed with Andrea. The best thing would be for you to leave her alone. Shane told me about your death threats. It would not surprise if you where the one who killed him," Rick said angrily.

"Absolutely not. I have a solid alibi, and I have already been questioned by the police. You need to shut your mouth, and stay away from Andrea. Before I tell your wife what I just saw," I said walking past Rick.

"My wife would not believe you. And it won't last with Andrea. She will find out what type of person you really are. Wait and see," Rick said before he got in the taxi.

I glared at him, and walked inside the house. Andrea was setting on the sofa looking sweet and innocent. She was dressed for the day in jeans and a low cut plum colored shirt. Her hair was curled, and she had make up on. Did she plan on Rick coming over? Had they done more than just kiss? I wanted to love Andrea, but she was not making it easy. I was really starting hate her. Maybe, I should have killed her instead of Shane. Then I would not have to deal with her mind games anymore. But she would learn who was in charge.

"What are you doing here?"

"I thought I take you out to lunch, but then I saw you had company," I said walking closer. Now would be a perfect time for punishment, I thought. She had to learn and I was going to teach her.

"Rick is gone. I told him not to come back," Andrea said moving closer to me. She was not afraid. Maybe she should be. Was she only telling me what I wanted to hear now? Did she know somehow she been caught?

"Why you do that?"

"Being around Rick makes me sad. He came here to convince me to move back to Florida. But I don't want too. Being there would just bring back old memories of Shane. I can't keep living in the past. Shane is not coming back. And I can't live my life like he is," Andrea says looking me in the eyes. She was a good actress. If she was lying I was falling for it, I thought.

"So what are you going to do now?"

"I will always love Shane, and I'll have this baby to remember him by. Shane's child will always know who his father is. But this baby will need someone who can be here. A father figure. I need someone who is here too. I was thinking maybe that guy is standing in front of me."

"What do you mean? Please explain clearly, Andrea," I whispered.

"Well, you said I could move in. We share a daughter together, and you saved my life. I have started to look to you as my hero. The way you adore me. I could not ask for more. I want to try and have a relationship together. A real one this time. But only if you want," Andrea says sweetly taking my hand.

Damn, I did not even want to punish her now. I was going soft when it came to Andrea. Clearly, she hadn't sex with Rick. I could not smell it on her, and I had not been gone long enough for her to shower twice. Still letting another man kiss was not something I could allow. But I would let it slide this time, I decided. She was not ready for a punishment yet. I could lose everything. I had worked hard to get Andrea and my daughter back here.

"Yes I want to. I want to be with you," I answered placing my hands on her hips.

"I know. And I remember how good it was. I just need a little more time," Andrea said calmly.

Damn, how long did this girl need? I was not a patient man.I had needs.

"I understand," I lied.

"There is something I should tell you. Rick kissed me. I don't know why, but it's not going to happen again," Andrea said taking my hand.

She was being honest, and I respected that. It showed she had loyalty to me now.

"It's fine. He was trying to take advantage of you. That's all," I said half-smiling.

"Rick wouldn't. It's not like that. But it does not matter. I am with you now," Andrea said not fighting the issue like she normally would.

"And I am with you. I love you. Promise me, no more Rick," I said bluntly.

"What do you mean no more Rick?"

"I don't what you to see him ever again," I said loudly.

"Never see Rick again?"

"That's right. I mean what type of man tries to cheat on his wife ? A wife who is home with a new baby. You don't need someone like that in your life. It's your choice. You can be friends with Rick or stay with me," I said testing her. She needed to learn I was in charge. I was waiting on her next words. Would she leave or tell me she did not need a control freak? I stood there studying her face.

"Rick is harmless. I think the kiss was his way of trying to calm me down. We're not having an affair. You can trust me," Andrea said placing her hand on my chest.

"It's him or me."

"Rick is like family. I grew up with him my whole life, and I don't if I can never talk to him again. If you love me why can't you trust me?," Andrea said sorrowfully.

"I want to protect you. Please trust me. So do you want to stay with me or not?"

"Yes, I want to stay with you. I won't talk to Rick again," Andrea promised.

Good girl, I thought smiling.

"Good, you feel like going out for lunch?"

"Yes, we should stop by the daycare and get Emily. It will be our first lunch as a family," Andrea said sweetly.

"I would love that," I smiled back her.

Andrea was learning that I was the one in control, and that would make things a lot easier for her in the long run.